Beijing Forbidden City: Fast Entry Ticket & Passport Access

Summary

Palace Museum entry ticket for direct access with passport

You’ll step through Beijing’s Meridian Gate with nothing but your passport and ticket confirmation — no waiting around. Explore palace halls at your own pace, listen as guides share stories behind golden thrones and ancient gardens, and maybe catch yourself tracing centuries-old carvings without even meaning to.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the color — all that deep red and gold everywhere, even before I’d made it through the Meridian Gate. I’d booked my Forbidden City ticket online (passport number and all, which felt oddly official), so I just walked up, flashed my passport, and was waved straight in. No big lines or confusion, just this quiet moment of stepping out of modern Beijing into a place where you half expect to see an emperor stroll by. The air smelled faintly dusty, like old wood after rain — not unpleasant, just ancient.

Our guide, Mrs. Zhang, had this way of pointing out details I would’ve missed — like the carved dragons on the Hall of Supreme Harmony or how the stone steps had grooves from centuries of royal processions. She laughed when I tried to say “Taihe Dian” properly (I definitely didn’t), but she seemed pleased I tried. The scale is hard to describe: 980 buildings is a number until you’re actually walking past endless courtyards and realizing your feet are getting tired already. There’s something about seeing schoolkids in matching hats chasing each other across the stones that makes it feel less like a museum and more like a living city.

I wandered off for a bit near the Imperial Garden — it was quieter there, with these twisted pine trees and old men playing cards on a bench. The sun came out for a second and everything looked sharper: blue sky against yellow tiles. It’s funny what sticks with you; for me it was touching one of those old red doors and feeling how smooth it was from years of hands passing by. If you’re thinking about booking a day trip to the Forbidden City from central Beijing, honestly, having that direct entry ticket made it all feel easy — no stress over where to queue or whether you’d get in on time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Forbidden City highlights

• Show passport at Meridian Gate
• Enter Forbidden City directly
• Visit Hall of Supreme Harmony
• See Hall of Preserving Harmony
• Pass through Gate of Heavenly Purity
• Explore bridal and worship chambers
• Walk in Imperial Garden

Top questions

Do I need my passport to enter the Forbidden City?

Yes, all travelers must show their passport for direct entry with this ticket.

Is Tiananmen Square entry included with this ticket?

No, this Forbidden City ticket does not include Tiananmen Square reservation or access.

Where do I enter the Forbidden City with my ticket?

You enter directly at the South Gate (Meridian Gate) after showing your passport.

Can children enter for free?

Children under 1.2 meters tall can join for free; above that height requires a youth ticket.

When will I receive my confirmation?

You’ll get your confirmation letter 7 days before your tour date if tickets are secured.

Is wheelchair access available?

Yes, the Forbidden City is wheelchair accessible.

Does this ticket include a guide?

No guide is included unless you select that option during booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pre-booked admission to Beijing’s Forbidden City with direct entry using your passport—no need to stop at Tiananmen Square or wait in long lines. Just show up at the main entrance (Meridian Gate), pass security checks smoothly, and spend as long as you want exploring palace halls and gardens at your own rhythm.